Ask Aunt Lori - Sunscreen
Dear Tan,
Yes, everyone should wear sunscreen!
There's obviously more sensitivity and risk for paler complexions, but everyone should still wear sunscreen to prevent sun damage. UV rays are emitted by the sun and if a photon of a UV ray hits DNA, it can damage it, which is what happens on the molecular level when someone gets skin cancer after repeated UV ray exposure.
I've been told this was like me
The sun emits two types of UV rays: UVA, which are nicknamed "aging rays", and UVB, which are nicknamed "burning rays". UVA rays are responsible for speeding up the aging process of the skin with wrinkles and dark spots. UVB rays are responsible for most of a sunburn. Broad spectrum sunscreens block both types of UV rays.
The best way to protect your skin is to cover your skin with clothing and seek shade. That's not always possible, so the next best option is to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on any exposed skin. It's important to reapply your sunscreen about every two hours. If you have a pale complexion, elevated risk for skin conditions, are near/in water or other reflective surfaces, are taking certain medications, or have certain medical conditions, you will need to reapply your sunscreen more often - personally, I do every hour.
The American Academy of Dermatology has a very in depth explanation of everything sunscreen and sun safety; for more information, click here.
Aunt Lori
P.S. Tanning beds are extremely dangerous!
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